Roger Goodell, Athletes and More React to Dick Butkus’ Death: ‘One of the NFL’s All-Time Greats’

The NFL world is in mourning Thursday after the death of Dick Butkus.

The Chicago Bears Hall of Famer died Thursday at his home in Malibu, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to PEOPLE. He was 80 years old.

“The Butkus family confirms that football and entertainment legend Dick Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight at his home in Malibu, California,” the Butkus family said in a statement released by the Bears. “The Butkus family gathers with Dick’s wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support.”

“Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL’s all-time greats,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him a model linebacker whose name will forever be associated with the position and the Chicago Bears.”

Goodell remembered the late linebacker as “a longtime advocate for former players and players at all levels of the game.”

Dick Butkus.

Dylan Buell/Getty

“The Dick Butkus Award and his foundation honors on-field accomplishments and community service among high school, college and NFL linebackers,” he added before extending his condolences to Butkus’ family and those impacted by his life.

“Dick Butkus was a legend who epitomized what it means to be a Chicago Bear,” the Bears shared in their statement. “Our hearts go out to his family and friends. He was a legend who embodied what it means to be a Chicago Bear. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.”

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“The NFL mourns the loss of legendary Hall of Famer Dick Butkus. Our thoughts are with his family and the Bears organization,” the NFL said in a statement. The league added a photo of Butkus from his playing days.

Dick Butkus.

Tony Tomsic via AP

Athletes, including those outside the football world, paid tribute to the decorated star.

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“This is Mick. I just found out about the death @ChicagoBears LB Dick Butkus. My favorite player of all time,” wrote WWE wrestler Mick Foley. “I grew up with a Butkus poster on my wall and he signed it for me one time when we met. A true legend. #RIPDickButkus.”

Former Chicago Cubs pitcher and coach Fergie Jenkins shared a photo of himself with Butkus on a baseball field, adding: “One of the best linebackers of all time and one heck of a [a] guy. Chicago has lost a legend. #dick.”

“Dick Butkus was not only one of the greatest football players to ever play the game, he was a remarkable man. He was always there for me when I needed him. Now, these 3 #Bears the legends are in the sky, sharing a drink, getting ready to watch #TNF play from the best places. This is for you, @thedickbutkus,” Jarrett Payton, son of another late Chicago legend, Walter Payton, wrote on X. “Your spirit will live forever. #RIPButkus.”

“Rest in Peace, Dick Butkus. A LEGEND. One of the few whose name was synonymous with ‘NFL,'” Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay wrote.

After hanging up his football boots, Butkus appeared in commercials for Miller Lite and turned to acting. He scored off the field by landing a recurring role on the 1980s NBC sitcom, My two dads. In the series, viewers met him as a cafe owner named Ed Klawicki.

“I’m very sorry to hear that Dick has passed away,” Staci Keanan, who also starred in My two dads, said in a statement to PEOPLE. “He was such a gentle, sweet, quiet man. He didn’t say much, but when he did, he was surprisingly funny. He wore Birkenstocks when we worked together – they weren’t fashionable then – it seemed to be because he had foot pain. days, and when he walked, he seemed to be in chronic pain, but he never complained about it.

“My two dads he once did an episode that included a highlight from what was supposed to be Dick’s character’s football career,” Keanan continued. “(Dick played a restaurant owner, Klawicki, who used to be a football player). The reel consisted of footage from Dick’s actual NFL career. When I saw it, I couldn’t believe that all those huge utensils and sacks came from the gentle giant I knew.”

Butkus also starred in the 1986 teen comedy Hamburger: the movie which was about a school for aspiring fast food franchise owners.

Butkus is survived by his wife Helen and three children, Ricky, Matt and Nikki.

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